Los Cilantros

Really enjoyed the homemade tortillas! My wife and I shared the lamb barbacoa and carnitas and they were delicious.

Excellent food, kind service, lovely decor. I was particularly pleased with the tortilla soup, fish tacos and chicken mole tacos. Will be back.

On the hunt for good food, I stumbled in by accident on the suggestion of a local. The carnitas and soup are fantastic. The flan is not far behind. Nice, out of the way, very friendly folks.

Ate here on Cinco de Mayo 2024, it was a busy night and the team seemed to be working some kinks out still on the front. The food was all great in our group, with some things elevating to outstanding. The tinga de pollo fell into the outstanding category, as did the homemade tortillas (nixtamalized there, so fresh and corn delish), the salsas and mushroom tacos. Super festive, warm and inviting atmosphere. Also, the prices were very decent making the value 5* for sure.

Honest clean and excellent traditional food. Sometimes this place is hopping and sometimes it's mellow. Every dish I've had here has been remarkable. This place is also good for groups and kids.Their sangria also isn't too sweet. In addition, it's connected to La Pena which has been there since 1975 showing plays, live music and other community activities.

Delicious food (great fish) and lovely service. I also like supporting a place with focus on community, authenticity, and quality. Right next to La Peña cultural center. Love it!

The tortillas & salsa are homemade and the food tastes fresh and yummy! The space is charming, clean, and smells good.

The atmosphere is great, a big space with beautiful wooden inlaid tables. And everything the four of us ordered was delicious! I especially loved the esquites. Definitely recommend this place.

We were going to another place for Mexican Dinner and we came across this place we checked their review and liked their decorations so we thought we would try it instead. We,my husband who is part Cuban and I were pleasantly surprised with the quality of their food and service. The Flan was amazing. The Ceviche was fresh and yummy. Ropa Vieja was delicious and true to form.We will be back👍👍👍😊😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️

I think I’ve just had the best Mexican food of my life here. It makes me seriously consider moving to Berkeley. And I ordered huevos rancheros. Not exciting, right? Wrong! Each component of the dish was excellent on its own, from the flavorful bed of black beans, to the lightly fried homemade tortillas, to the fried eggs, and the spicy spoonful of thick salsa on top. Together, it was so delicious and comforting. The food here is obviously made with care, and you can taste and feel it. I couldn’t just try one dish, so I also ordered the tortilla soup, which was also very enjoyable. It would be great to order for takeout if you are sick. It’s a huge portion and I’d suggest sharing, so you can eat another dish. There are so many things to try on the menu. I also ordered the horchata, which is now my favorite horchata, because it is not too sweet. I can drink it without my tastebuds being overstimulated by sugar. Prices are very reasonable, service is great, and the food is incredible. I can’t wait to come back and try more items on the menu.

Finally after three years closed they reopened 9/14/23. I ordered some tacos, chicken enchilada, and the ceviche tostado. Wow, very flavorful and authentic! I live nearby and will be sure to dine in or take more cilantros meals home. Visit this place!!

Two hours after leaving Los Cilantros I still have the sound of satisfaction resonating through my system. The sweet feeling of having had a home cooked meal where you don't skimp on the quality of the ingredients. The sensation that I just had the very best possible with the added southern Mexican, spicy, balmy flavor from Oaxacan terroir. Authentic Southern Mexican cuisine! The food is testy! Best tacos, best tamales ever! Their mole sublime! When you bite into the chicken you know it was a healthy chicken with texture and flavor. The white corn masa sweetness is incomparable, and organic! The place is calm and very comfortable with big, sturdy, wooden tables and seats. Spacious but not chi-chi or pretentious and the personnel cordial and courteous. I can't wait to get back for their enchiladas!

Had the taco plate and the mushroom taco did not disappoint! Fast and friendly service. Vibe is very chill.

Quaint and cozy location. Service is as humble and authentic as the food is. You can tell there is a lot of love in the kitchen. Prices are low for how well portioned and stacked the food is. We loved it. Shame we were only having small bites to try multiple places because the pozole and steak plates look amazing. You've gotta try the ceviche and tinga tostadas.

I moved down the block just over 2 years ago, and I was so sad this place was closed because I always heard wonderful things about it. When they finally reopened this September, 2023, I was so excited to go! I was not disappointed and I’m happy to say and I can’t wait to come back! Everything was delicious, extremely fresh, and really high quality. The chicken enchiladas were perfectly seasoned and a great portion size. The refried black beans that come with the dish were so good! The pescado taco was also wonderful, a huge taco and the fish was perfectly cooked. Hands-down though, the best thing we had was the ceviche tostada and the esquite! The ceviche had sooo much flavor. I can’t stop thinking about it! Also a ton of fish and avocado for the portion. Yum! The esquite was also a highlight. Just so many wonderful flavors and everything complimented each other so well. Blown away, definitely a new favorite spot in Berkeley and so glad you’re back! Service was wonderful too, and the food comes out really quickly. So glad you’re back, I’ll be back soon.

This place is awesome, fresh ingredients, authentic, well made food. This is one of my go-to spots in the Bay! They have a lot of veggie options which is great also.

Dedicated GLUTEN FREE Mexican food. A rare find indeed. They have delicious food and wonderful individualized service. If there are other ingredients you cannot have they will happily substitute if they can. Each dish pictured below was delicious. The Ceviche is normally prepared with serrano peppers, but since I can't eat hot peppers they prepared a Ceviche without the peppers and it was wonderful! The salad had an orange juice dressing that was delicious! And the bottom layer on the taco was a very thin layer of black beans, YUM. They are located on Shattuck in Berkeley and I will return.😋♥️🦋🙏

2024 update! So happy they are back open after COVID closure. The food is better than ever! So grateful One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the Bay is open again!! 🎉 ---- One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the Bay Area. Delicious food and I appreciate they use organic ingredients.

It's a good place, nice atmosphere and great attention. The Food is really good. I enjoyed my visit.

This place has real authentic Mexican cuisine. This is the first real mexican food place y have found in the bay area. So far my favourite one!

Mellissa Ranese

Had the taco plate and the mushroom taco did not disappoint! Fast and friendly service. Vibe is very chill.

Manuel Ayala

Quaint and cozy location. Service is as humble and authentic as the food is. You can tell there is a lot of love in the kitchen. Prices are low for how well portioned and stacked the food is. We loved it. Shame we were only having small bites to try multiple places because the pozole and steak plates look amazing. You've gotta try the ceviche and tinga tostadas.

Heather Zulim

I moved down the block just over 2 years ago, and I was so sad this place was closed because I always heard wonderful things about it. When they finally reopened this September, 2023, I was so excited to go! I was not disappointed and I’m happy to say and I can’t wait to come back! Everything was delicious, extremely fresh, and really high quality. The chicken enchiladas were perfectly seasoned and a great portion size. The refried black beans that come with the dish were so good! The pescado taco was also wonderful, a huge taco and the fish was perfectly cooked. Hands-down though, the best thing we had was the ceviche tostada and the esquite! The ceviche had sooo much flavor. I can’t stop thinking about it! Also a ton of fish and avocado for the portion. Yum! The esquite was also a highlight. Just so many wonderful flavors and everything complimented each other so well. Blown away, definitely a new favorite spot in Berkeley and so glad you’re back! Service was wonderful too, and the food comes out really quickly. So glad you’re back, I’ll be back soon.

Adam

This place is awesome, fresh ingredients, authentic, well made food. This is one of my go-to spots in the Bay! They have a lot of veggie options which is great also.

Karey Spirit

Dedicated GLUTEN FREE Mexican food. A rare find indeed. They have delicious food and wonderful individualized service. If there are other ingredients you cannot have they will happily substitute if they can. Each dish pictured below was delicious. The Ceviche is normally prepared with serrano peppers, but since I can't eat hot peppers they prepared a Ceviche without the peppers and it was wonderful! The salad had an orange juice dressing that was delicious! And the bottom layer on the taco was a very thin layer of black beans, YUM. They are located on Shattuck in Berkeley and I will return.😋♥️🦋🙏

Daniel Korson

2024 update! So happy they are back open after COVID closure. The food is better than ever! So grateful One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the Bay is open again!! 🎉 ---- One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the Bay Area. Delicious food and I appreciate they use organic ingredients.

Luis Serna

It's a good place, nice atmosphere and great attention. The Food is really good. I enjoyed my visit.

Alfredo Olguin

This place has real authentic Mexican cuisine. This is the first real mexican food place y have found in the bay area. So far my favourite one!

The food is delicious and prepared fresh, and the menu had some good variations on the typical Latin fare. Service was impeccable, I asked for extra spicy salsa and they delivered the goods! It's a family owned and operated affair and it shines through.

the chicken tinga sopes was fiiiire!! the guac & chips are primo & the lamb barbacoa has all the sabor

I was visiting Oakland/Berkley from Minneapolis. What a nice city Oakland is!!Los Cilantros is not the same old same old. They have delicious fresh options. Their corn relish was super--fresh and tangy. Home made tortillas--very tasty. I ate lot of delicious food on that trip and Los Cilantros was a stand-out.

One of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve dined in. Very good set of choices for vegetarian and vegan folks. Food items use fresh ingredients, including hand made tortillas and corn that is gently boiled overnight that is used in the soup. I recommend trying the enchiladas and stuffed poblanos. The gravy was flavorful and the serving sizes did not feel overwhelming. The best part is none of the items use excessive rice or cheese. All the items felt like having fresh home cooked food. Highly recommend.

Quite simply the best home-cooked Mexican restaurant in memory. Cozy, family-run, every dish clearly made with love. Fresh, true to style (homemade blue corn tortillas!) thoughtful menu and a nice little selection of beer, wine and sangria to go with. It was our first time trying it tonight, and we already know we will be back soon to try the whole menu. Highly recommended!

The food was very good, a little on the pricey side but worth it. Got the barbacoa lamb, and it was very tasty. Loved the homemade tortillas. The flan for dessert was very tasty and came with some strawberries on the side. Very good food, all gluten free.

Absolutely fantastic tacos! We ordered vegetarian and the potatoes they prepare were so delicious. The tortillas were my favorite part of the meal though, the blue corn ones had just the best flavor and smell. Very cool background of the place too, making a difference in the food system.

This place is really really good, but I am a little biased because I work right next door. I have been eating here regularly for years, and I never get tired of the food. I eat a lot of Mexican food all over the Bay and in Mexico, but Los Cilantros is very unique in its flavor profile and focus. I feel like they haven't quite found their niche in the dining community yet, because on one hand the food seems like something you would find in a fancy restaurant, but the vibe is much more like you are being served by your aunt at a family gathering. I am so glad to see they are back and better than ever after the pandemic. I was so scared that like most restaurants, they wouldn't bounce back, but it seems like the word is getting out and momentum is building.

We have been meaning to eat at Los Cilantros for years, and just never made it there. I am so glad we finally went, a hidden gem. Everything we had was delicious. The chips were crispy but not greasy, the guacamole flavorful and you could still taste the avo. The Cesar salad had wonderful complex but not overpowering flavor. The Ensalada de Col was simple, tasty, a perfect accompaniment to the rest of the meal. My daughter had tacos, 2 asada, 1 mushroom. She said the mushroom were delicious, she wished she had room for more, and the asada was as good as her favorite Mexican restaurant. The chicken enchiladas were delicious, authentic tasting verde sauce, simple black beans on the side. Wow, not sure why we waited so long, can't wait to go back and try more! (PS The restaurant itself is lovely, quiet environment, good service. We did not feel rushed, we felt encouraged to enjoy)

Tommy Tsunami

the chicken tinga sopes was fiiiire!! the guac & chips are primo & the lamb barbacoa has all the sabor

Gautam Ashok

One of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve dined in. Very good set of choices for vegetarian and vegan folks. Food items use fresh ingredients, including hand made tortillas and corn that is gently boiled overnight that is used in the soup. I recommend trying the enchiladas and stuffed poblanos. The gravy was flavorful and the serving sizes did not feel overwhelming. The best part is none of the items use excessive rice or cheese. All the items felt like having fresh home cooked food. Highly recommend.

Joe Dart

Quite simply the best home-cooked Mexican restaurant in memory. Cozy, family-run, every dish clearly made with love. Fresh, true to style (homemade blue corn tortillas!) thoughtful menu and a nice little selection of beer, wine and sangria to go with. It was our first time trying it tonight, and we already know we will be back soon to try the whole menu. Highly recommended!

rikki moreno

We have been meaning to eat at Los Cilantros for years, and just never made it there. I am so glad we finally went, a hidden gem. Everything we had was delicious. The chips were crispy but not greasy, the guacamole flavorful and you could still taste the avo. The Cesar salad had wonderful complex but not overpowering flavor. The Ensalada de Col was simple, tasty, a perfect accompaniment to the rest of the meal. My daughter had tacos, 2 asada, 1 mushroom. She said the mushroom were delicious, she wished she had room for more, and the asada was as good as her favorite Mexican restaurant. The chicken enchiladas were delicious, authentic tasting verde sauce, simple black beans on the side. Wow, not sure why we waited so long, can't wait to go back and try more! (PS The restaurant itself is lovely, quiet environment, good service. We did not feel rushed, we felt encouraged to enjoy)

Brennan

The food was very good, a little on the pricey side but worth it. Got the barbacoa lamb, and it was very tasty. Loved the homemade tortillas. The flan for dessert was very tasty and came with some strawberries on the side. Very good food, all gluten free.

Ranzo Taylor

The food is delicious and prepared fresh, and the menu had some good variations on the typical Latin fare. Service was impeccable, I asked for extra spicy salsa and they delivered the goods! It's a family owned and operated affair and it shines through.

Corey Raynor

This place is really really good, but I am a little biased because I work right next door. I have been eating here regularly for years, and I never get tired of the food. I eat a lot of Mexican food all over the Bay and in Mexico, but Los Cilantros is very unique in its flavor profile and focus. I feel like they haven't quite found their niche in the dining community yet, because on one hand the food seems like something you would find in a fancy restaurant, but the vibe is much more like you are being served by your aunt at a family gathering. I am so glad to see they are back and better than ever after the pandemic. I was so scared that like most restaurants, they wouldn't bounce back, but it seems like the word is getting out and momentum is building.

Mary Dobish

I was visiting Oakland/Berkley from Minneapolis. What a nice city Oakland is!!Los Cilantros is not the same old same old. They have delicious fresh options. Their corn relish was super--fresh and tangy. Home made tortillas--very tasty. I ate lot of delicious food on that trip and Los Cilantros was a stand-out.

Sierra Hampton

Absolutely fantastic tacos! We ordered vegetarian and the potatoes they prepare were so delicious. The tortillas were my favorite part of the meal though, the blue corn ones had just the best flavor and smell. Very cool background of the place too, making a difference in the food system.

I'm no expert of Mexican cuisine, but I can probably say with some confidence that Los Cilantros offers dishes that are not commonly find in cheap eateries, and of superior quality. Perhaps the price is a bit on the higher end, considering the area (next to la Peña). Nice ambience with wide tables and lots of space inbetween. Definitely recommemded.

I've had nothing but great food here, but I rarely go because a full meal can be rather expensive. Bring friends, order lots, and try to forget about the bill, because it's just not a fun place if you're worrying about money.

Joined friends for early lunch. Loved the carnitas with blue corn tortillas. Easy walk from Ashby BART.

Everything about this place is good--the food, the service, the setting. A bit pricey though. There should be more restaurants like this. Fortunately I live around the corner so I can go here often.

It was very good and probably more authentically Mexican than other restaurants. But I did not love it so cannot give 5 stars.

Awesome service; friendly staff. Although at first glance it doesn't look like you have a lot of options, their various takes on sopes were creative and the two that we had (chorizo con papá, and hongos) were delicious. We also had the sopa de tortilla, which was exactly what we needed on the cold day we went. You can tell that they use super fresh, high quality ingredients and the sopes were made to order. Good coffee, great playlist, and really chill atmosphere.

The food was good, but a little too overpriced, especially considering the vegetarian options weren’t that fancy.

Arunothia Marappan

The food was good, but a little too overpriced, especially considering the vegetarian options weren’t that fancy.

Meat was a little chewy in the tacos, poblano was a little undercooked in the chile relleno. Food was served a little cool. No rice with the plates. Black beans were OK. Guacamole was excellent, salsa was good. There are vegetarian options. Would be 4 stars, but it's a bit overpriced for the quality.

the tacos i got were all so dry, and that’s to say they were different types.

Sonia Garcia

the tacos i got were all so dry, and that’s to say they were different types.

This is strange, but I feel compelled to warn anyone who will get sick from wheat and gluten. I had eaten at this restaurant with the understanding that it was “dedicated gluten-free”, an exceptionally high standard for food safety for celiacs and others who are very sensitive to wheat. The food tasted great! Unfortunately, this is not longer safe, no longer “dedicated gluten-free”, as in, the kitchen prepares wheat ingredients now after having previously kept them out of the kitchen. The weirdness is that there’s no communication about this on the menu or in person. I got the info from a gluten-free guide. When I’ve been to Los Cilantros, I’ve talked about it with the staff: “So glad this place is gluten-free and safe for me!” I guess they don’t understand that somebody could be seriously ill for a few weeks from this surprise. Suggestion: add a poster advising “not a gluten-free kitchen”.

Angela Kohtz

This is strange, but I feel compelled to warn anyone who will get sick from wheat and gluten. I had eaten at this restaurant with the understanding that it was “dedicated gluten-free”, an exceptionally high standard for food safety for celiacs and others who are very sensitive to wheat. The food tasted great! Unfortunately, this is not longer safe, no longer “dedicated gluten-free”, as in, the kitchen prepares wheat ingredients now after having previously kept them out of the kitchen. The weirdness is that there’s no communication about this on the menu or in person. I got the info from a gluten-free guide. When I’ve been to Los Cilantros, I’ve talked about it with the staff: “So glad this place is gluten-free and safe for me!” I guess they don’t understand that somebody could be seriously ill for a few weeks from this surprise. Suggestion: add a poster advising “not a gluten-free kitchen”.

My coworker and I just tried this place based on the rating and price($) posted on Google. Nice people and cool atmosphere. Based on the extremely expensive price and how long it took, we expected it to be a lot of food. We were very disappointed to see 3 very small street tacos that were "ok" and nothing else that came with the meal. For the price we paid we expected a lot more! We were both still hungry after this meal. Save your time and money and do not go here. We will not make that mistake again.